White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, comforting variation of the classic enchilada, featuring a rich, white sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, and green chilies. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned chicken and rolled up in soft tortillas, then smothered in a creamy sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a dish that combines savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors into one irresistible meal!
Here’s a delicious recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas:
White Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10-12 flour tortillas (small or medium size)
- 1 (10 oz) can green enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies (mild or hot, depending on your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or a combination)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the green enchilada sauce, sour cream, and cream cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the shredded chicken onto the center of the tortilla.
- Drizzle a small amount of the white sauce over the chicken (about 1-2 tablespoons). Then sprinkle with a bit of the shredded cheese.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture, arranging them in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining white sauce over the top, making sure to cover all the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.
5. Bake:
- Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is slightly golden around the edges.
6. Serve:
- Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. You can also freeze baked enchiladas and reheat them in the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: These enchiladas pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad.
- Toppings: Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with black beans, sautéed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions), or a mixture of both for a vegetarian version of these enchiladas.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add some jalapeño slices into the sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer a sharper flavor, try using cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese in place of or in addition to Monterey Jack.
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option, or substitute sour cream and cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, higher-protein alternative.
These White Chicken Enchiladas are sure to become a favorite in your household. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese make for a comfort food dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Enjoy!
